The idea of freedom during pandemic

Dr N Prabhudev

The simplest definition of freedom is the state of being free. It is a state of Mind! We have rights and we have duties! The idea of freedom is complex and it must be defined, redefined and defended anew by each generation.

Freedom is meaningful only if you have a civic sense and respect for others. Absolute freedom is chaos. It is life without any accountability - there are no laws, no restrictions, and no consequences for actions.

Freedom to be healthy

The WHO Constitution envisages “… the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being. The right to health is integral to the right to life and the government has constitutional obligations to provide health facilities.”

The most common cause of death for men and women not only in 2020 but in every year of this millennium is more than 90% preventable - simply with healthier daily practices of our freedoms. Interestingly most heart studies and cancer studies suggest much the same pattern, with 50% or more of most cancers resulting from modifiable behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental factors.

Freedom during a pandemic

The pandemic has limited our boundaries of personal freedom. We have to conquer it by wearing masks, getting vaccinated, observing personal hygiene, self-discipline, and staying away from crowds.

Yes, quarantine and governmentmandated closures infringe on individual rights. My body - my choice and individual liberty are not inviolable in the face of the pandemic. The argument is in terms of freedom — freedom from disease. It is to protect citizens’ right to be free from disease.

Governments need the authority to isolate those who are sick, to vaccinate people, and take other steps to reduce the risk of infectious disease from transmission.

Freedom to assemble - is not important in the face of the pandemic - quarantine holds over the right to assemble to live free from disease and death! The equality of restraint wins over the right to individual liberty. Being able to live a healthy, productive life is not only a right in itself, but also a necessary condition to enjoy other rights- our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

These are undisputed facts - wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding big crowds absolutely lowers your risk of contracting and spreading corona virus. It could prevent a rising tide of mass infection and hundreds of deaths.

Vaccination is freedom from Covid more so as there is no cure as yet! To be free from Covid is my right! Many People seem to care more for freedom from masks. They do not realize that a mask is better than a ventilator! They do not want to be quarantined! They do not realize that Home is better than an ICU.

Covidiots’ have proved that human stupidity and ignorance know no Limits. I wish we could criminalize stupidity! Personal choice cannot override public safety. Entire societies in which far, far too many people will admit no responsibility, feel no remorse for the harm they cause, and think that it’s perfectly right not to wear a mask and to party with the crowd.

Financial freedom

Achieving financial freedom is tough but not impossible.Financial freedom is everyone’s life goal. The best way to achieve your goals is by living on a practical budget. Depending on how much you earn each month use the 50/30/20 rule - for essentials, savings, and wants. Invest in your health.

Food freedom

Each year, chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths. Poor diets lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and obesity. Obesity is one such condition that is fast becoming one of the most rampant medical concerns across the globe. Food insecurity is associated with obesity.

Time freedom

Time and Tide waits for none is an old adage - an immortal one! The clock ticks every second and each gone second can’t be reclaimed. Time is the greatest equalizer in existence. Life is about more than just working all day to make money; make more of yours. It is time to give up the rat race and chase the freedom to live a full and inspired life.

(The author is a former director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology and Research Institute, former vicechancellor, Bangalore University, and former chairman, Karnataka State Health Commission)